It is always good to compare different research practices and different methods of formalizing problems and solving them. It is particularly convenient to do so within the French research system, which allows time for debate and comparison of points of view in an environment of healthy competition. For example, PhD students may focus 100% on basic research.
Research in France
Rigor
Today, the French school of mathematics still retains the characteristics that it inherited from ancient wisdom: rigor, method, pursuit of excellence. This approach is naturally replicated in computer sciences, as is evidenced by the number of international conferences that take place in France and the quality of crucial meetings with leading international specialists.
A science network, in France…
Research organizations, universities, Grandes Ecoles…French research institutions are varied, but they are partners and work in networks. Working for one of them gives access to everyone working in the same scientific field, but also to the local networks of innovation (incubators, business development areas).
… and in Europe
French research institutions collaborate across borders, with their German, English, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch partners. Inria is thus a member of ERCIM, a co-founder of EIT ICT Labs, and opens up career opportunities to researchers throughout Europe. Not only in academic research, but also in industrial R&D for major groups.
About Inria
Public science and technology institution established in 1967, Inria is is the only public research body fully dedicated to computational sciences. Combining computer sciences with mathematics, Inria’s 3,400 researchers strive to invent the digital technologies of the future.
Educated at leading international universities, they creatively integrate basic research with applied research and dedicate themselves to solving real problems, collaborating with the main players in public and private research in France and abroad and transferring the fruits of their work to innovative companies. The researchers at Inria published over 5,000 articles in 2011. They are behind over 270 active patents and 110 start-ups. In 2013, Inria’s budget came to 233 million euros, 27% of which represented its own resources.
Inria is organized around five fields of research:
- Applied Mathematics, Computation and Simulation;
- Algorithmics, Programming, Software and Architecture;
- Networks, Systems and Services, Distributed Computing;
- Perception, Cognition, Interaction;
- Computational Sciences for Biology, Medicine and the Environment.
Find out more about Inria on www.inria.fr and learn about Inria research teams
Inria: 8 research centers, geared towards Europe
Inria has research center in seven French regions. Through the Inria@SilliconValley program, Inria invites you to discover France’s most dynamic regions:
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Centre de Recherche Inria Paris-Rocquencourt
Paris Rocquencourt & Saclay Ile de France: 2 research centers located in Paris Area
Paris’ uncontested cultural appeal has made it the world’s favorite tourist destination. Paris is a modern and exciting exchange center, and a metropolis with a human touch. Its dynamic business firms and presence on the international research and innovation scene have also made it a business-meeting hotspot. Visit www.inria.fr/en/centre/paris-rocquencourt and www.inria.fr/en/centre/saclay
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Centre de Recherche Inria Grenoble – Rhône-Alpes
Grenoble-Rhône Alpes research center
The Rhône-Alpes region is ranked as France’s third business-tourist destination (after Greater Paris and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur). Rhône-Alpes’s economy is also thriving (one in five French engineers qualify here), and it features a wealth or landscapes and a plethora of cultural highlights any time of year. Rhône-Alpes’ 220 skiing resorts add up to the world’s largest skiing station. The food here has struck an exquisite balance between wholesome local produce and world-class chefs’ talent. www.inria.fr/en/centre/grenoble
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Inria Research Centre Sophia Antipolis – Mediterranée
Sophia Antipolis Méditerranée research center located on the French Riviera (Nice)
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is a prime business-tourist destination. It is more than the gentle life, exciting history and culture, festivals and wide open spaces. It is blazing new trails on countless new technological fronts, and its economy is booming. www.inria.fr/en/centre/sophia
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Inria Research Center Bordeaux – Sud-Ouest
Bordeaux – Sud Ouest research center located in Aquitaine
Endless sandy beaches, a sprinkling of country manors and chateaux, scattered vineyards, a few hills and expanses of countryside. That, in a nutshell, is what Aquitaine is all about. Vineyards have always been Aquitaine’s hallmark. It is heaven for anyone who enjoys fine wines, human touch and stunning landscapes. Aquitaine’s wealth springs from its diversity, world-class infrastructure and proactive human resources. www.inria.fr/en/centre/bordeaux
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Inria Research Center Rennes – Bretagne Atlantique
Rennes Bretagne Atlantique research center (Brittany)
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Inria Research Center Nancy – Grand-Est
Nancy Grand Est research center (Lorraine)
This region skirts Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, and the first-rate links (high-speed-train line and airport) have put Lorraine in a position to harness its convenient location near a number of European countries. But its strategic location is only one of its advantages: it also takes pride in its artistic talent and creative drive. www.inria.fr/en/centre/nancy
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Inria Research Center Lille – Nord Europe
Lille Nord Europe research center (Lille)
This region is at a European crossroad, and high-speed trains, highways and airports put it less than an hour away from corporate headquarters (London, Brussels, Paris). It is also home to leading distribution, textile, mail-order and other business-travel-intensive company headquarters. Lille, as an aside, was Europe’s cultural capital in 2004. And windmills, belfry-top spires, endless beaches are sights you will remember. www.inria.fr/en/centre/lille
